The Department of Psychology at the University of Prince Edward Island has openings for sessional instructors during the forthcoming Winter 2027 semester. All positions are subject to final budgetary approval.

Please note: the courses offered below will be taught in person, unless otherwise specified as an online course. Should qualified applicants not be available for in-person instruction, applications to teach online will be considered.

PSY-3090 Adult Development

The purpose of this course is to better understand adult development by focusing on themes of change and stability from young adulthood through to older adulthood. Students use analytical and descriptive theories of adult development to explore how adults negotiate physical, cognitive, social, and emotional aspects of development. Lectures, in-class assignments, and research projects are designed to encourage students to critically evaluate the contemporary research in adult development and to apply their understanding of adult development to a wide array of contexts and policy environments.

PSY-3520 Psychological Disorders

This course engages students in a critical review of theories and research in psychological disorders. Strengths and limitations of current diagnostic classification systems, such as the DSM, are analyzed, as are the personal and social consequences of their use. Current models of diagnosis, etiology, maintenance, and treatment of various disorders are reviewed. We explore limits on the generalizability of key concepts and findings across individual and cultural diversities.

PSY-3930 Health Psychology

This course examines how psychological, social, and biological factors interact to influence health and illness. Students explore the systematic application of psychology to health promotion and maintenance, illness prevention and treatment, the determinants of health and illness, health care systems, and health policy.

PSY-4320-04 Neurobiology of Brain Disorders

Brain disorders arise from a combination of genetic, environmental, and accidental influences that can impact the brain at molecular, cellular, and circuit levels. Many of these conditions share common pathological features and underlying disease mechanisms. This course will primarily focus on causes of, major animal models for, and clinical features of disorders of the central nervous system and neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, and cerebrovascular disorders). Current treatments (in use and under exploration) will also be discussed. In addition, the course will address the neurobiological foundations of selected developmental disorders (e.g., attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder), infectious and immune-mediated diseases affecting the nervous system (e.g., multiple sclerosis), and disorders of higher-order function, including stress, fear-related anxiety disorders, and schizophrenia.

Qualifications:

Successful applicants should hold a Graduate degree, preferably a Doctoral degree, in Psychology. Preference will be given to the qualified candidates with seniority on the UPEI Sessional Roster and full-time and term contract Faculty Members of the Academic unit.

Application Instructions:

Applicants should submit a letter of application, an updated C.V., and the names of three references to:

Dr. Philip Smith
Professor and Acting Chair, Department of Psychology
University of Prince Edward Island
Charlottetown, PE C1A 4P3
 📧 psychadmin@upei.ca

In accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. UPEI is committed to the principle of equity in employment.

UPEI is committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, and reconciliation and believes in providing a positive learning and working environment where every person feels empowered to contribute.

UPEI is committed to the principle of equity in employment and encourages applications from underrepresented groups, including women, Indigenous peoples, visible minorities, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity, and others with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities.

Closing date for applications is May 12th, 2026.